John 12:27-33

27 “Now
I am deeply troubled.
What should I say? ‘Father, save me from this time’? No, for this is the reason I have come to this time.28 Father, glorify your name!” Then a voice came from heaven, “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.”29 The crowd standing there heard and said, “It’s thunder.” Others said, “An angel spoke to him.”30 Jesus replied, “This voice wasn’t for my benefit but for yours.31 Now is the time for judgment of this world. Now this world’s ruler will be thrown out.32 When I am lifted upfrom the earth, I will draw everyone to me.” (33 He said this to show how he was going to die.)

Many of us expect to feel good all the time. In fact, if we don’t feel good, we think something is wrong or that God has abandoned us. When we experience disappointment or frustration, we assume there’s a problem and want to blame someone. Or, we turn to whatever brings...

Lord, give me a troubling in my soul that will reveal your love for the whole world. Amen.

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We can maintain outward appearances for only so long. At some point what is in our hearts will come to the surface. God understands this, of course, which is the reason for the promise in Jeremiah. God promises a day when God’s law will no longer be an external standard that we are trying to follow, but will be written on our hearts. In the aftermath of his sin with Bathsheba, David cries out in Psalm 51 for God’s forgiveness and a new heart. The New Testament readings begin to focus our minds toward the end of Jesus’ life. God’s transformative work comes at a cost to God through the death of his Son, who suffered in obedience but through his death was glorified.

Questions and Suggestions for Reflection

• Read Jeremiah 31:31-34. In what areas of your life do you find yourself keeping score? How can you release that tendency?
• Read Psalm 51:1-12. What clutters your heart, making it unavailable for love?
• Read Hebrews 5:5-10. When have you fallen into the habit of faith rather than exhibiting authentic faith? What distinction do you draw between the two?
• Read John 12:20-33. How does the author’s illustration of the seed and flower help you understand Jesus’ crucifixion and death?